If you’ve decided on formula as the choice for feeding your baby, you might be a bit confused about all the choices. There are lots of options to help you find the type that will best suit your baby’s needs and your lifestyle.

When you are in the hospital, if your baby is getting formula, it will likely be pre-mixed in one serving disposable bottles, and will be a name brand, milk based formula. This is likely to be what your pediatrician recommends and will work well for most babies. You may be able to use this for the whole first year, with no issues.

If your baby has trouble with this formula, he may have a milk allergy, and may need soy, or other special type of formula. If your baby is having trouble tolerating his formula, he may cry extensively after eating, indicating that he has a stomach ache or he may throw up or have diarrhea. If you notice what you think might be intolerance to the formula, contact your pediatrician right away. You might have to experiment with a few before you find the right one, but don’t lose hope. There is a formula out there that will work well for your baby.

Your next consideration is whether you want pre-mixed, liquid concentrate or powdered formula. Pre-mixed means you just pour and serve. Liquid concentrates need to have water added, as does powdered. Pre-mixed is the most expensive, powdered is the least. But, of course, pre-mixed is also the most convenient. Pre-mixed and liquid concentrates also spoil more quickly. Powdered formulas do have a shelf life, but are generally good for about two weeks. Your decision will generally be decided by your budget and lifestyle, as babies tolerate all three types equally well. You might want to mix and match, using powdered formula when you’re at home, and pre-mixed when you travel. Follow the directions on your formula package carefully.

When you’re bottle feeding, you must also be diligent about sterilizing your bottles. Keeping the feeding equipment sterile is critical to protecting your baby’s health, especially in the early days. If you want to minimize the equipment that needs to be sterile, try using the bottles that hold disposable milk bags. These are good at keeping air out of the baby’s tummy, and require that only the nipple be sterilized. The down side is that you have to buy the sterile disposable bags, and each bag can be used only once. You might want to spend some time shopping around to decide what kind of bottle your want to try. Whatever type you choose, just be sure to read the sterilization instructions, and follow them closely.

At first, bottle feeding may seem like a lot of work, but give it some time. Once you get the hang of sterilizing bottles and preparing formula, it will be a breeze.

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Latex teats are made of natural latex, a high-quality, natural material.
But Silicone teats are made of high-quality plastic and transparent silicone material which is temperature-resistant, whereby even direct sunlight does not cause the material to age.

Latex is a soft material, and it is more nipple-like than silicone, so if you are planning on combining bottle and breast feeding, latex teats may make this easier.

Silicone, however, gets scratched up more easily. Silicone teats should therefore be replaced at the first sign of teeth marks by your baby or other form damages.

Babies may initially reject a new latex teat because of the way it tastes, so it is advisable to place it in boiling milk for 3 minutes, as this will neutralize the taste. However, the fat in the milk will make the teat age more quickly. Latex teats only come in 2 sizes: Size 1 for babies from 0 to 6 months and size 2 for 6 to 18 months. Toddlers of 18 months and older are usually able to feed themselves, so from this age it is recommended. This is why silicone soothers are only available in size 1 and size 2.

Choosing between latex and silicone is completely up to you and will depend upon your and your baby’s needs.

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After having three kids, I have tried so many different kinds of bottle brushes over the years. I find that one of the best bottle cleaner that I have ever used is the Munchkin Baby Bottle Brush.

It is like having three things in one. Not only that you are able to thoroughly clean the bottle with it’s sturdy bristles, it also has a small screw in nipple brush that you can use to clean the nipple or hard to reach small edges of the bottle, which is great. Once you are done with the small nipple brush you can easily hide it in the bottom of the brush and on the other side of it is a suction cup on the bottom so it won’t get lost. The suction cup makes it easy to stay in place on the sink until you need it. It is easier to grab a hold of the brush when it is time for you to wash the bottles.

The other brands of brushes I have used are often flimsy and doesn’t last that long. With the Munchkin Baby Bottle brush you can choose from a variety of colors that adds color to your kitchen. The handle is sturdy and is shaped perfectly which makes it easy to grab hold of and use. The nipple brush is well hidden in the handle for easy storage. The suction cup sticks to the counter.

What else can you ask for. It is perfect. I highly recommend this product, it will get the job done and the price is very affordable.

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